When God is Asleep Part 2

2) We see the POWER of the ALMIGHTY in the Person of the SAVIOR Lord Jesus Christ. Mark 4:39

Mark 4:39 KJV 1900

39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

# The Preeminence of Christ Jesus in the Church

How to Let Christ Become Everything in Our Lives

Colossians 1:18

Colossians 1:18 (KJV 1900)

18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

I. Introduction (Colossians 1:17-19)

Colossians 1:17–19 (KJV 1900)

17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

A. Most of us have seen the eminence of royalty at royal weddings and royal funerals, royal coronations.

Before anyone is allowed into the courts of royalty they are instructed on how to act before royalty. Most of us will never witness the personal presence of earthly royalty

B. Yet, the eminence of this world fades into insignificance when compared to Jesus Christ.

For Christ is not just royalty, or eminent. Jesus is PRE-eminent!

C. The word "pre-eminence" means having paramount rank, dignity, or importance.

Having first place, the top place, of most importance, someone that fills every thought of His subjects.

D. The apostle John proclaims Jesus as not just King, but "King of king and Lord of  lords." (Revelation 17:14)

Revelation 17:14 (KJV 1900)

14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

E. Desperately people today want this position – even religious people (3Jn 1:9,10)! Preeminence in wealth, in power, in attention (want ALL the attention).

3 John 9 KJV 1900

9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

3 John 10 KJV 1900

10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

3 John 9 (KJV 1900)

9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

3 John 10 (KJV 1900)

10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

F. Remember, the devil wanted the preeminence! But sorry – but that place is already filled!

G. I want to take a good long look at the Head of our Church!

The top position! We’ve been learning a lot about the New Testament church, but we need to remember to worship the One who started this thing called His Church!

H. In all things Jesus is the first, and the last – He is the best, and really, He is all there is to talk about!

1. At birth, He already was King of kings – no competition

2. In His life, he exceeded all others in purity, in doctrine, in perfection, and miracles;

3. In his nature and attitude, He is fairer than all the children of men;

4. In redemption, He was alone, and worked it out completely by Himself;

5. In dying He single-handedly conquered death, and rose first from it, never to die again;

6. In prayer, He is the only reason we have access before God’s throne

7. In worship, He is our song;

8. He is more important than life, money, girlfriends, wife, children, boyfriend, sorrow, success, death, heaven, obstacles, career, failures, the past, the future, the unknown, the devil, and every other thing in this universe – Jesus is the Name to know, and whisper in love!

9. The question is, how do we get things right again, so that He and he alone has that first place in our lives?

I. Summary

1. Jesus is Lord

2. Jesus Earned His Place of Preeminence

3. Four Areas of Preeminence

4. Jesus Deserves Our Worship – Practical ways to keep Jesus in First Place

II. Message

A. Jesus is Lord – He is the ONLY One to listen to and obey ( Phil 2:11)!

Philippians 2:11 (KJV 1900)

11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

1. What does that mean? He is in charge, the boss, He is God! He owns us (Ps 100), because He purchased us, with His own blood!

Psalm 100 (KJV 1900)

A Psalm of praise.

1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

2 Serve the Lord with gladness: Come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, And into his courts with praise: Be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; And his truth endureth to all generations.

2. The Bible calls Him “the head” – the part of the body that should get ALL the attention (Eph 5:23; Col 2:18,19)! The body doesn’t deserve all the attention that the world is saying it does!

Ephesians 5:23 (KJV 1900)

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

Colossians 2:18 KJV 1900

18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

Colossians 2:19 (KJV 1900)

19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

3. He deserves ALL our attention, our obedience, our worship, our fear, our love, our meditation, our praise!

B. Jesus Earned His Place – His position

1. He was Resisted (John 5:40)

John 5:40 (KJV 1900)

40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

2. He was Rejected (John 1:11; 19:15; Mt 27:29,30)

John 1:11 (KJV 1900)

11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

John 19:15 (KJV 1900)

15 But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.

Matthew 27:29 (KJV 1900)

29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

Matthew 27:30 (KJV 1900)

30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.

3. He was Resurrected (Mt 21:42; Act 4:11)

Matthew 21:42 (KJV 1900)

42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

Acts 4:11 (KJV 1900)

11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

4. He is Reigning (Rev 1:12-18)

Revelation 1:12–18 (KJV 1900)

12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

C. Jesus is Preeminent in Four Main Areas of Our Lives (Col 1:12-18)

Colossians 1:12–18 (KJV 1900)

12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

1. Salvation – Who Can Save You - He is the Only Saviour (Col 1:12-15; Acts 4:11,12)

Colossians 1:12–15 (KJV 1900)

12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

Acts 4:11 (KJV 1900)

11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

Acts 4:12 (KJV 1900)

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

2. Source - He is the Only Creator (Col 1:16)

Colossians 1:16 (KJV 1900)

16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

3. Support - He is the Only Sustainer (Col 1:17) – holding you together

Colossians 1:17 (KJV 1900)

17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

4. Sovereignty – Who is in Charge - He is Your Only Leader (Col 1:18)

Colossians 1:18 (KJV 1900)

18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

D. Practical Ways to Keep Jesus First in Your Life

1. In Prayer

a. To Him – talk right to Jesus – not Mary, or any other being

b. Through Him to the Father – ONE and only one mediator

c. Only BECAUSE of Him “In Jesus’ name”

2. In Presence – Include Him wherever you are

a. If you’re born again He’s with you whether you are aware of it or not

b. Make yourself aware of His presence, and honour Him as being with you – don’t ignore Him

3. In Pursuit of Goals

a. Stop seeking your own glory, and instead seek His

b. Lay up treasures in heaven

c. Live so that Jesus gets the honour for every success

d. Make Him your reason for trying, and your reason for succeeding

4. In Presenting the Gospel

a. Give your testimony

b. But people need to hear more of Jesus and what he can do than of yourself and what you did (sins or good things)

5. In Pressure

a. When being persecuted and mocked

b. Keep your attention on Jesus (Heb 12:1,2)

Hebrews 12:1 (KJV 1900)

1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Hebrews 12:2 (KJV 1900)

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

c. We too easily only see the problems and the enemies and the potential disaster instead of seeing Jesus

d. EXAMPLES

1) Shadrach, Mechach, Abendigo

2) Paul and Silas in prison

6. In Praise

a. Wasted praise on people

b. Wasted praise on self

c. All praise to Jesus – get into the habit of blessing the mention of His name, and the exalting of His goodness in everything

d. Your prayer time ought to be half praise, and half petition (requests)

7. In Pardon

a. You forgive because Christ first forgave you

b. Don’t hold back

c. Forgive for Jesus’ sake – to please and honour Him!

III. Conclusion

A. Without a doubt. Jesus is Lord. Not many people believe it, or live it, but it is true nonetheless, and it will be so throughout all the universe when he comes again the second time!

B. Jesus Has Earned His Place of Preeminence – He has for me!

C. Jesus Commands Four Areas of Preeminence

D. Jesus Deserves Our Worship – Practical ways to keep Jesus in First Place

1. In Prayer

2. In Presence – Include Him wherever you are

3. In Pursuit of Goals

4. In Presenting the Gospel

5. In Pressure

6. In Praise

7. In Pardon

# We see the POWER of the ALMIGHTY in the Person of the SAVIOR Lord Jesus Christ. Mark 4:39

Mark 4:39 (KJV 1900)

39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

# Power of Christ, The

As the Son of God, is the power of God.

John 5:17–19 (KJV 1900)

17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.

18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

John 10:28–30 (KJV 1900)

28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

30 I and my Father are one.

Acts 10:38 (KJV 1900)

38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

A .DESCRIBED AS

Supreme.

Ephesians 1:20–21 (KJV 1900)

20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

1 Peter 3:22 (KJV 1900)

22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

Unlimited.

Matthew 28:18 (KJV 1900)

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Over all flesh.

John 17:2 (KJV 1900)

2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

Over all things.

John 3:35 (KJV 1900)

35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

Ephesians 1:22 KJV 1900

22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

Glorious.

2 Thessalonians 1:9 (KJV 1900)

9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

Everlasting.

1 Timothy 6:16 (KJV 1900)

16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Philippians 3:21 (KJV 1900)

21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

B. EXHIBITED IN

Creation.

John 1:3 (KJV 1900)

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

John 1:10 (KJV 1900)

10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

Upholding all things.

Colossians 1:17 (KJV 1900)

17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Hebrews 1:3 (KJV 1900)

3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Salvation.

Isaiah 63:1 (KJV 1900)

1 Who is this that cometh from Edom, With dyed garments from Bozrah? This that is glorious in his apparel, Travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

Hebrews 7:25 (KJV 1900)

25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

His teaching.

Matthew 7:28–29 (KJV 1900)

28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Working miracles.

Matthew 8:27 (KJV 1900)

27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Luke 5:17 (KJV 1900)

17 And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.

Enabling others to work miracles.

Matthew 10:1 (KJV 1900)

1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

Mark 16:17–18 (KJV 1900)

17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Forgiving sins.

Matthew 9:6 (KJV 1900)

6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

Acts 5:31 (KJV 1900)

31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Giving spiritual life.

John 5:21 KJV 1900

21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.

John 5:25–26 (KJV 1900)

25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;

Giving eternal life.

John 17:2 (KJV 1900)

2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

Raising the dead.

John 5:28–29 (KJV 1900)

28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

Raising himself from the dead.

John 2:19–21 (KJV 1900)

19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?

21 But he spake of the temple of his body.

John 10:18 (KJV 1900)

18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

Overcoming the world.

John 16:33 (KJV 1900)

33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Overcoming Satan.

Colossians 2:15 (KJV 1900)

15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Hebrews 2:14 (KJV 1900)

14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

Destroying the works of Satan.

1 John 3:8 KJV 1900

8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Ministers should make known.

2 Peter 1:16 (KJV 1900)

16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

SAINTS

Made willing by.

Psalm 110:3 (KJV 1900)

3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness From the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.

Succored by.

Hebrews 2:18 (KJV 1900)

18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Strengthened by.

Philippians 4:13 (KJV 1900)

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

2 Timothy 4:17 (KJV 1900)

17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

Preserved by.

2 Timothy 1:12 (KJV 1900)

12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

2 Timothy 4:18 (KJV 1900)

18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Bodies of, shall be changed by.

Philippians 3:21 (KJV 1900)

21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV 1900)

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Present in the assembly of saints.

1 Corinthians 5:4 (KJV 1900)

4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Shall be specially manifested at His second coming.

Mark 13:26

Mark 13:26 (KJV 1900)

26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

2 Peter 1:16 (KJV 1900)

16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Shall subdue all power.

1 Corinthians 15:24 (KJV 1900)

24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

Psalm 2:9 KJV 1900

9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.

Isaiah 11:4 (KJV 1900)

4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, And reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: And he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, And with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

Isaiah 63:3 (KJV 1900)

3 I have trodden the winepress alone; And of the people there was none with me: For I will tread them in mine anger, And trample them in my fury; And their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, And I will stain all my raiment.

2 Thessalonians 1:9 KJV 1900

9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

C. Seven Powers of Christ

—An overview from Revelation 1-3

The Revelation of Christ (Revelation 1-5) >The Prologue >The Introduction >The powers

At least seven aspects of Christ’s power and authority may be noticed in the first vision —a vision of Christ.

This vision includes the messages that Christ commanded John to write to the seven churches.

The Powers

1 Power over time

Jesus is "the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the end, the First and the Last... he who is and who was and who is to come (Revelation 1:8,17, cf Rev 2:8 ).

Revelation 1:8 (KJV 1900)

8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Revelation 1:17 (KJV 1900)

17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

Revelation 2:8 (KJV 1900)

8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

Time is under God’s authority (Acts 1:7).

Acts 1:7 (KJV 1900)

7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

Jesus rules time; it does not rule him.

He has "dominion forever and ever" (Revelation 1:6) and lives in eternity.

Revelation 1:6 (KJV 1900)

6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

The visions of Revelation represent time from that eternal perspective.

We shall discuss this matter further in some of our lessons that focus on questions of times and seasons in prophecy.

Revelation 1:8 (KJV 1900)

8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Revelation 1:17 (KJV 1900)

17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

Revelation 2:8 (KJV 1900)

8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

Acts 1:7 (KJV 1900)

7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

Revelation 1:6 (KJV 1900)

6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

2 Power over creation

Jesus claims to be "the beginning of the creation of God" (Revelation 3:14).

He is the Creator of all things that have been created (John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:16-17).

Revelation 3:14 (KJV 1900)

14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

John 1:1–3 (KJV 1900)

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Colossians 1:16–17 (KJV 1900)

16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

3 Power over angels

"He sent and signified [the revelation] by his angel... To the angel of the church of Ephesus write..." (Revelation 1:1, 2:1).

In the book of Revelation, angels are seen to be servants carrying out orders from Jesus.

The angels are inferior and are subject to Jesus Christ. They worship him (Hebrews 1:6-8, 13-14).

Revelation 1:1 (KJV 1900)

1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

Revelation 2:1 (KJV 1900)

1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

Hebrews 1:6–8 (KJV 1900)

6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.

7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.

8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

Hebrews 1:13–14 (KJV 1900)

13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?

14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

4 Power over death

Jesus is "he who lives, and was dead, and came to life, and behold I am alive forever more, Amen.

And I have the keys of Hades and of Death" (Revelation 1:18, 2:8b).

The death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ is a basic doctrine in the gospel (Acts 2:23-24,31-33).

The book of Revelation promises that Christ will also raise the dead and destroy death and Hades (Revelation 20:11-15).

Revelation 1:18 (KJV 1900)

18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Revelation 2:8b (KJV 1900)

8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;

Acts 2:23–24 (KJV 1900)

23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

Acts 2:31–33 (KJV 1900)

31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

Revelation 20:11–15 (KJV 1900)

11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

5 Power over destiny

Jesus is "he who is holy, he who is true, he who has the key of David, who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens" (Revelation 3:7, cf Isaiah 22:22).

Christ will judge the living and the dead (2Timothy 4:1).

He has the authority to decide which destiny shall be yours (Matthew 25:31-32,46).

Revelation 3:7 (KJV 1900)

7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

Isaiah 22:22 (KJV 1900)

22 And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; So he shall open, and none shall shut; And he shall shut, and none shall open.

2 Timothy 4:1 (KJV 1900)

1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

Matthew 25:31–32 (KJV 1900)

31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

Matthew 25:46 (KJV 1900)

46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

6 Power over truth

Jesus is "he who has the sharp two-edged sword" (Revelation 1:16, 2:12), with "eyes like a flame of fire" (Revelation 1:14), and "the Amen, the faithful and true witness" (Revelation 3:14).

The two edged sword represents the teaching of Christ, his gospel (Hebrews 4:12, Ephesians6:17).

The word Amen means "true".

Jesus has the truth, and he decides what is true and what is false.

As the eyes of fire signify, Jesus has not left us in the dark; he has given us the revelation of light of the truth.

Revelation 1:16 (KJV 1900)

16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

Revelation 2:12 (KJV 1900)

12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

Revelation 1:14 (KJV 1900)

14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;

Revelation 3:14 (KJV 1900)

14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

Hebrews 4:12 (KJV 1900)

12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Ephesians 6:17 (KJV 1900)

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

7 Power over the churches

Jesus is "he who holds the seven stars in his right hand who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands" (Revelation 1:13,16, 2:1).

The stars are the angels of the churches, and the lampstands are the churches themselves (Revelation 1:20).

Christ, although in heaven, is in control of his churches on earth.

He says, as he begins each message to the churches, "I know your works" (Revelation 2:2,9,13,19, 3:1,8,15).

All Christian congregations are answerable to him and should regard him as the Head (Colossians 1:18).

Revelation 1:13 (KJV 1900)

13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

Revelation 1:16 (KJV 1900)

16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

Revelation 2:1 (KJV 1900)

1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

Revelation 1:20 (KJV 1900)

20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

Revelation 2:2 (KJV 1900)

2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

Revelation 2:9 (KJV 1900)

9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

Revelation 2:13 (KJV 1900)

13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

Revelation 2:19 (KJV 1900)

19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.

Revelation 3:1 (KJV 1900)

1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

Revelation 3:8 (KJV 1900)

8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

Revelation 3:15 (KJV 1900)

15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

Colossians 1:18 (KJV 1900)

18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Next week we look at the Presence of Christ

3) We see the PROTECTION of the ALMIGHTY in the PRESENCE of the SAVIOR the Lord Jesus Christ. Mark 4:38

Mark 4:38 KJV 1900

38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?